Religious Conversions in Hindu Sindhis

Earlier this week, I received a Whatsapp message regarding a play being staged in Ulhasnagar based on the upsetting trend of a number of Hindu Sindhis embracing Christianity. The play intends to bring into public discourse discussion on this worrying trend that has gathered pace for the last decade or so wherein a number of Hindu Sindhis are now converting to Christianity. I understand that in Ulhasnagar particularly, there has been a quiet increase in the number of prayer halls where a pastor chaperones a weekly congregation; however such practices are becoming common in other areas as well. Online reports indicate that there are around 70- 100 such halls in Ulhasnagar and a friend tells me that around 1.25 lacs Sindhis have embraced Christianity till date.  Youtube is full of videos Sindhi songs in praise of Jesus and why Sindhis should embrace Christianity.  I am told that most of these conversions are for economic reasons. 

 I remember a dinner conversation that I had with a business associate of ours in Kathmandu an year or so ago. We were discussing how Nepal had recently transitioned towards being a “Secular” state from a Hindu Monarchy and how it had a section of citizens worried. There was an apprehension that by becoming a secular state, Nepal was throwing open itself to evangelists who often targeted the poor and downtrodden and incentivized them to turn to Christianity. Evangelism, he mentioned, has become very much of an organized trade in this part of the world wherein there are a lot of incentives such as free medicines, healthcare, food, clothing, money etc. that is offered to the poor and downtrodden for converting to Christianity. Unfortunately, I now see the same thing happening with our community as well. The elderly client who is also a fellow Hindu then commented “In Hinduism, there is no concept of conversion; One can only be born as a Hindu.”  He then further explained that it is for this very reason that some of the oldest Hindu temples such as Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu do not allow individuals who aren’t borne as Hindus to enter the Sanctum Sanctorium and they can do the Darshan from a distance. 

I am personally not a supporter of religious conversions and have always believed that the family and the religion that one is born in is divine’s blessing and one should hold allegiance to them; however this does not mean one should look down upon any other religion as essentially all religions eventually lead to the path of righteousness and well-being of all (“Sarbaht ka Bhala”). However, even if someone decides to change his/her religion, it has to be purely out of one’s own will and devoid of any extraneous pressure/inducement else the entire exercise loses its relevance. I find it disheartening that amongst us there are people who entice others to convert to other religions by using economic means to instill love for “their” god. Clearly, many of us seem to have forgotten the immense sacrifices that our ancestors made (including coming to India leaving everything back home) just to protect our identity as Hindu Sindhis. Hindu Sindhis seem to be at receiving ends from both sides – In Sindh, Pakistan one reads about forced conversions of young Hindu girls to Islam and on the other hand, in India, we have conversions to Christianity for economic reasons. I am not sure for how long we as a community will survive if this continues. 

At the same time, I am aware that whilst sitting in a comfortable cushion sofa it is easy for me to preach about idealism and allegiance whereas for a number of our brothers and sisters, it is still a question of daily survival, and if by converting to Christianity helps them secure a comfortable life and financial assistance from the church why would they not convert! 

This is where I think we as a community have failed. Economic inequalities amongst Sindhis have always been quite steep and unfortunately rising. The well offs have always lacked behind in helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters.  In a community that is estimated to be 5-7 Million strong, 1.25 lacs is not a small number and if all of us do not take steps now, it may soon be too late to mend ways. Whilst Sindhis have always been strong individual performers, however we lack unity when it comes to working together. As an elderly relative used to say “Asaan Sindhiyan  mein Baddhi kaane” (We Sindhis lack unity). Therefore most of our philanthropic efforts are on a piece meal basis and fragmented thereby unable to assist the receiver in a meaningful manner. 

 I think it is high time that the entire community (irrespective of where we are based; whether in India or outside) should come together and we should run simple schemes at a meaningful scale. The schemes should be managed by trusts involving eminent people whom others trust that they will put the funds to most effective use. Unfortunately, the time is running away and hence urgent attention is needed. 

The interested reader may want to read the below editorial that was published in Sindhi Shaan magazine in 2008.

http://www.sindhishaan.com/article/issues/issu_07_03a.html

I end with a recent song that I heard on Coke Studio, Pakistan – “Wah Jo Kalam” a song that tries to capture the multifaceted Sindhi Spirit. Sung and written by Asrar Shah who is accompanied by brother –sister duo of Shamu Bai and Vishnu with their powerful vocals. I found the song to be quite refreshing, hope you like it too. Don’t forget to click on Subtitle icon in the lower end of the frame for English translation of the lines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBxEvrorLf4